Convolvulus Full Moon

Height 10cm

Spread 2m

Full sun

Dry Tolerant

Frost Hardy

Botanical Name: Convolvulus sabatius Full Moon

Variety Profile

The genus of convolvulus is made up of a number of twining creepers, small herbaceous plants and a few shrubby species all of which can be found through many temperate regions of the world. The trademark 'funnel' or 'trumpet' shaped flowers of these plants are very reminiscent of those belonging to the larger flowering 'morning glories' but should not be confused with these as they belong to separate families with the convolvulus family not having the rampant tendencies of the fore mentioned. Also, unlike 'morning glories', their flowers remain open all day and open in succession over a long season.

Many species of convolvulus are highly valued by those involved in garden design and landscaping due to their reliable performance, hardy attributes and long lasting flowering season. Most species are not only tolerant of seaside environments but actually thrive in these regions.

C. 'Full Moon' is a specially selected low mounding, ground covering variety which carries larger flowers than normally found in this species. In addition it has a more vigorous growth habit forming a neat and dense mat ideal for quick results in barren garden areas.

The soft lilac-blue flowers open by unfurling 'pleats' to form the strongly flared tube. They first begin appearing from late spring and will continue right through to autumn.

Cultural Care

C. 'Full Moon' enjoys a open, full sun location with a well drained soil. Although tolerant of a wide variety of soil types best performance will be achieved in a fertile organic soil. Hardy to a minimum temperature of -5ºc. Regular pruning is recommended to encourage a dense habit and to encourage further flower production. An application of slow release fertiliser during spring would also be beneficial to overall performance.

Plant Uses

Garden uses of C. 'Full Moon' are limited only by imagination as the soft colourings of its flowers and foliage allows it to be incorporated into most colour schemes and its low growing habit is useful for covering bare patches in a mixed border. Group plantings will form an attractive cover for low maintenance areas such as embankments whilst its trailing habit makes a luxurious 'curtain' to drape over retaining walls or over rockeries.

Can be grown equally well in containers - either as an under planting for a larger upright growing tub specimen or can be used on its own cascading from a hanging basket. Some plants that would complement a planting of C. 'Full Moon' would include family member Convolvulus cneorum 'Silvery Moon' (a small shrub with white flowers and attractive silvery foliage), members of the gaura or salvia families as well as irises, dietes species, agapanthus and other plants with vertical strap-like foliage.